5 Reasons Cape Town is a great family destinationby Guest Blogger

April 24th, 2014

Cape Town is an extremely popular holiday destination for people from various cultures, and the locals are always ready to take in family travellers. As far as entertainment for children goes, there’s an endless list of things to get involved in. Indoors, outdoors, tame or adventurous, picnic locations, restaurants, activities and museums, educational theme resorts, budget-oriented and one-of-a-kind, as a family, few places can live up to the holiday you’ll have in Cape Town.

1. Cape Town boasts a range of animal parks and reserves

Trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium anyone?

Treat the whole family to a safe wildlife interaction expedition. Whether you want to take the kids for camel-back rides at Imhoff Farm, keep a lookout for whales, learn about sea life at the Two Oceans Aquarium, or toss breadcrumbs to penguins at Boulders Beach, you can keep your children occupied for days. From ostrich farms, snake petting zoos and monkey sanctuaries, to cheetah centres and aviaries - you and the family have a rare and exciting opportunity to get a close-up look at some lesser-spotted creatures.

2. You’ll find unique and breathtaking scenery

Cape Town's very landscape presents endless opportunities for fun and adventure. The mountains give way to cable car rides, quirky shops, unique hiking trails, mountain-biking, picnicking spots, caving and fascinating rock formations. The seaside and harbours are home to famous local restaurants such as the Brass Bell and Polana. You’ll also find museums, family boat rides, kayaking, fishing, surfing, navy festivals, interesting nautical art and aquariums. Whatever your tastes, take advantage of the scenery with your family.

3. A variety of indoor events and activities for kids and parents alike

Ironically, rainy days in Cape Town offer you a chance to enjoy some of the best family activities. The Science Centre in Observatory is a great place for kids to have a look at the human skeleton, go for a ride in the spinning gyroscope, make bath salts or hike across the ‘African map’. The Planetarium in the Cape Town Iziko Museum also has daily shows for the little ones.

4. Dining for the whole family

Holidays aren’t always a good time to cook. That's why it's a good thing Cape Town has no shortage of family restaurants. Try the Clay Café where your kids can decorate the plates and cups they eat with, using paints and crafty materials, while you enjoy some tea and cake. Dunes Restaurant and Bar is also a great place to visit with a fun play area, as well as delicious food options for kids and grown-ups.

5. Beaches, beaches, beaches

A view of Table Mountain from Blouberg beach

There is nothing more relaxing than to head down to the beach with your family, and boy does Cape Town have a great selection of beaches! In South Africa, drinking alcohol on the beach is illegal, so you don't have to worry about your family outing being distrupted by loud music and an alcohol-fuelled party rolling out on Fish Hoek beach.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to find a holiday destination more geared toward having fun as a family and spending quality time together than Cape Town.